What Will I Be? Exploring Gender Differences in Near and Distant Possible Selves

What Will I Be? Exploring Gender Differences in Near and Distant Possible Selves
Brown, Elizabeth; Diekman, Amanda
2010-07-31 00:00:00
We investigated whether the possible selves of men and women align with the gender-differentiated social roles that are projected to vary across the lifespan. Across two studies (Study 1: N = 211 and Study 2: N = 314) of college students in the Midwestern U.S., we found that gender differences in possible selves were larger when projected into the distant future (e.g., 10–15 years) than the near future (1 year). In addition, the relationship between career and family possible selves varied depending on gender and temporal distance, with a tradeoff between career and family observed primarily among women and for distant possible selves (Study 1). Supporting role congruity theory, both genders hoped for role-congruent selves but feared role-incongruent selves (Study 2).
http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.pngSex RolesSpringer Journalshttp://www.deepdyve.com/lp/springer-journals/what-will-i-be-exploring-gender-differences-in-near-and-distant-DQrOQmH2Ax

What Will I Be? Exploring Gender Differences in Near and Distant Possible Selves

Abstract

We investigated whether the possible selves of men and women align with the gender-differentiated social roles that are projected to vary across the lifespan. Across two studies (Study 1: N = 211 and Study 2: N = 314) of college students in the Midwestern U.S., we found that gender differences in possible selves were larger when projected into the distant future (e.g., 10–15 years) than the near future (1 year). In addition, the relationship between career and family possible selves varied depending on gender and temporal distance, with a tradeoff between career and family observed primarily among women and for distant possible selves (Study 1). Supporting role congruity theory, both genders hoped for role-congruent selves but feared role-incongruent selves (Study 2).

Journal

Sex Roles
– Springer Journals

Published: Jul 31, 2010

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